Application of evidence-based medicine methods in integrative oncology research

Abstract

To present the advances of evidence-based medicine and clinical research methodology in integrative oncology, we conducted a literature review of real-world studies of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in cancer care and summarized the available evidence. Pragmatic randomized controlled trials (pRCTs) and clinical registry studies are becoming more popular as they could compensate for the limitations of RCTs. Many RCTs of TCM for cancer treatment as well as systematic reviews have been published. The most investigated therapies are based on acupuncture, Chinese herbal compounds, and Chinese patent medicines. Acupuncture has a significant advantage in relieving cancer-related symptoms. Published studies focus more on improving clinical symptoms and laboratory indicators. However, the patient's quality of life deserves more attention.

Keywords

• Evidence-based medicine
• Integrative oncology
• Traditional Chinese medicine
• Research design
• Pragmatic clinical trial
• Registries